Most people, if asked, could tell you the basic function and role of a woman. Woman’s part in the birth and nurturing of the young is self-evident. What is not so clear is what a man is for.

As more families operate without a man at either the head or helm, as single mothers are increasingly both mother and father to their children, one can see how and why the great mother of the second wave of feminism, Gloria Steinem declared: women need men like fish need a bicycle.

If an alien dropped down to earth they would be excused for thinking that earth, for men, is one big adventure playground. More often than not, the world seems to be created to satisfy male desire, to support male values and methods, to further male ambition and to allow men to do whatever it is their boyish hearts want, knowing that whatever havoc they wreak in the process there is probably a woman around to clean up the mess.

But despite the pervasive double standard that traditionally goes easy on men’s escapades (especially if they occur away from home), and the customs, mores and social conventions that even glorify them, men are here for more than just a good time.

The role of man is in fact to protect all life.

Imagine a world where men took this obligation seriously.

Eileen McBride
Eileen McBride is the author of Love Equals Power 2, a spiritual seeker and teacher. This article was published on August 11, 2011.